Background: The amputee population receives physical therapy regularly following post-amputation to recover and transition to the use of a prosthetic device, but many do not return regularly for follow-up management. While outcomes and protocols are discussed in the literature on the acute stages of rehabilitation, research on long-term care and follow-up for these patients as they age is minimal. The purpose of this case study is to bring attention to the need for consistent follow-up management, with regards to episodic care, for the aging amputee to maintain independence. Case Description: This case describes a 60-year-old patient with a transtibial amputation who was seeking out physical therapy intervention to improve his balance and gait. The patient was 8 years post amputation and utilizing bilateral lofstrand crutches for ambulation. He presented with deficits in lower extremity range of motion and strength, balance, and functional mobility. Outcome Measures: The outcome measures used in this case report were the BERG Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go (TUG). Other measures that could have been administered include the Amputee Activity Score, Amputee Mobility Predictor, Walking Ability Index or Locomotor Capabilities Index. Discussion: This case study demonstrates an example of how a bout of therapy years post-amputation can improve functional mobility. The patient was able to improve his strength and balance and decrease his use of assistive devices. It signifies the need for long term physical therapy management of amputees as they age. By performing yearly assessments and using an episodic model of care when appropriate, physical therapists can assist the aging amputee population maintain their function and independence.
Dissertation
The Importance of Episodic Care for the Aging Amputee: A Case on the Physical Therapy Management of a Patient with a Transtibial Amputation
University of Iowa
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
Autumn 2022
Free to read and download, Open Access
Abstract
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The Importance of Episodic Care for the Aging Amputee: A Case on the Physical Therapy Management of a Patient with a Transtibial Amputation
- Creators
- Elaina Peterson - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Laura Frey-Law (Advisor) - University of IowaMichael Petrie (Advisor) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Case Report
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science
- Date degree season
- Autumn 2022
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 10 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2022 Elaina Peterson
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Case Reports
- Record Identifier
- 9984560252602771
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